College of the Sciences
Geological Sciences
Bachelor of Science | Major
Bachelor of Science, Environmental Geological Sciences
This program gives you the skills to focus on the interactions between solid Earth and the atmosphere and hydrosphere, including groundwater, soils, and climate.
The Environmental Geological Sciences, BS degree builds on a solid foundation in allied sciences and math and prepares you for graduate school and a variety of careers in the environmental sciences, including environmental consulting and water resources.
Questions? Contact Us.
Nick Zentner
Discovery Hall 134
You Belong Here
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Geological Sciences Department Website
Courses
Introductory Geoscience
- GEOL 101 - Introduction to Geology
- SCED 102 - Integrated Earth and Space Science
Geoscience Breadth Courses
- GEOL 201 - Climate and Water
- GEOL 202 - Natural Hazards and Tectonics
- GEOL 203 - Earth History
- GEOL 210 - Introduction to Geologic Field Methods
- GEOL 320 - Rocks and Minerals
- GEOL 370 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- GEOL 382 - Earth Resources and Pollution
- GEOL 384 - Ocean, Atmosphere and Climate Interactions
- GEOL 386 - Geomorphology
- GEOL 445 - Hydrogeology
- GEOL 487 - End-of-major Review Seminar
- GEOL 493 - Field Methods in Environmental Geology
Department-Approved Electives
Environmental Geological Sciences Breadth Electives
- BIOL 362 - Biomes of the Pacific Northwest
- CHEM 345 - Environmental Chemistry
- GEOG 455 - Pyrogeography
- GEOL 306 - Communicating Geoscience
- GEOL 346 - Mineralogy
- GEOL 351 - Geology of the Pacific Northwest
- GEOL 377 - Regional Natural History
- AND GEOL 377LAB - Regional Natural History
- GEOL 415 - Earthquake Geology and Neotectonics
- GEOL 423 - The Cryosphere
- GEOL 425 - Environmental Geochemistry
- GEOL 430 - Remote Sensing
- GEOL 470 - Fluvial Geomorphology
- GEOL 472 - Coastal Geomorphology
- GEOL 474 - Quaternary Geology
- GEOL 478 - Volcanology
- GEOL 483 - Isotope Geochemistry
- GEOL 304 - Geological Sciences Seminar
- GEOL 388 - Field Trips
- GEOL 395 - Junior Research
- GEOL 396 - Individual Study
- GEOL 492A - Experience Teaching Upper-level Geology
- GEOL 492B - Laboratory Experience Teaching Earth Science
- GEOL 495 - Senior Research
- GEOL 496 - Individual Study
Interdisciplinary Environmental Electives
- ANTH 352 - Anthropology of Environmental Issues
- ECON 462 - Environmental and Resource Economics
- ENST 303 - Environmental Resource Management
- ENST 310 - Energy and Society
- GEOG 305 - Introduction to Land Use Planning
- GEOG 373 - Water Resources
- GEOG 422 - Geography of Food and Agriculture
- GEOG 445 - Environmental Law
- GEOL 303 - Water Wars
- IEM 302 - Energy, Environment, and Climate Change
- PHIL 306 - Environmental Ethics
- SOC 380 - Environmental Sociology
Allied Science Courses for Bachelor of Science Environmental Geological Sciences Degree
Chemistry
- CHEM 181 - General Chemistry I
- CHEM 181LAB - General Chemistry Laboratory I
- CHEM 182 - General Chemistry II
- CHEM 182LAB - General Chemistry Laboratory II
- CHEM 183 - General Chemistry III
- CHEM 183LAB - General Chemistry Laboratory III
- GEOL 425 - Environmental Geochemistry
Physics
- PHYS 121 - Introductory Physics for Life Sciences I
- PHYS 122 - Introductory Physics for Life Sciences II
- PHYS 181 - General Physics I with Laboratory
- PHYS 182 - General Physics II with Laboratory
Mathematics
- MATH 172 - Calculus I
- MATH 173 - Calculus II
- MATH 211 - Statistical Concepts and Methods
Meaningful
Geoscientists address critical societal issues related to energy, water, climate, natural hazards, and more.
Experiential
We focus on hands-on experience for all students, including in the classroom, the laboratory, and the field.
Career Focused
Students collect and analyze data using the same techniques, equipment, and strategies as professional geoscientists.
Relevant
Geoscientists provide critical insight for preparing and reducing the risks associated with climate change.
Apply
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Financial Aid
Our Financial Aid staff are here to help you navigate financial aid.
Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Opportunities
Geoscientists have employment opportunities everywhere, from local and regional communities to locations around the world.
Salary
The average annual salary is around $100,000, and starting salaries with bachelors degrees are in the $60,000-$70,000 range.
Scholarships
Department scholarships typically total between 15k-20k per year.
Why Study Geology at Central?
- Experience personalized guidance and mentorship from dedicated faculty in our close-knit department
- Accelerate your career with a high post-graduation employment rate, driven by strong demand in the field, while pursuing a meaningful career that brings about real-world changes
- Make a difference as a STEM teacher, inspiring future generations to practice sustainability and responsible resource management
Career Pathways
Geosciences, including hydrology and environmental science
The minerals industry
Geotechnical consulting
State and local government